Wouldn't you take it deflated and use an electric pump to fill it when you get there? That wouldn't be so hard. It's the rod and gear and waders and flippers I think might make it more of a challenge.
Other way around actually. I never took any pics, but the float tube did not pack small. Biggest problem for me though was the weight, combined with everything else it was just too ungainly. I only took it out once on a test ride, and havent since. Everything else however fits in one of my side cases; waders, boots, net, creel, vest, and all the crap that goes in it. My rod is 4 piece TFO that breaks down to about 30".
